"Turning point" for mining in Saxony?
Museum für Naturkunde: Lecture on 20 September, 6.30 pm, in Tietz, Veranstaltungsaal
On Wednesday, 20 September at 6.30 pm, interested parties are invited to a lecture by the Saxon Chief Mining Commissioner, Prof. Dr Bernhard Cramer, in the event hall at Tietz. He will talk about the renewed interest in mining in the Free State in this century and the opportunities and challenges it brings.
Admission is free, registration is not required.
Almost a thousand years of mining in Saxony and Bohemia have earned the Erzgebirge mining region UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to the wealth of mineral resources, especially silver ore, Saxony flourished economically in the Middle Ages and early modern times and subsequently became a centre of artistic and cultural prosperity. It is no coincidence that the flagship project "PURPLE PATH" of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 has the motto "Everything comes from the mountain".
In the 16th century, under Elector Moritz, the medieval Freiberg Mining Law developed into a set of rules that applied to the whole of Albertine Saxony. In addition to enforcing these regulations, the operational management of the Saxon mines was also one of the duties of the mining chiefs until the 19th century. One of the most famous mining chiefs was Hans Carl von Carlowitz from Chemnitz, who is considered the founder of the principle of sustainability in forestry.
After the silver, tin and uranium deposits were exhausted in the 20th century, mining in Saxony seemed to have come to a standstill. However, new technologies, high demand and rising raw material prices have made new mining more attractive in recent years.
In addition to the phasing out of lignite mining and the mining of stone and earth for industry and construction, interest in ore and spar deposits in the Free State is increasing.
As head of the Saxon Mining Authority, the Chief Mining Inspector, Prof. Dr Bernhard Cramer, oversees the exploration of deposits, issues permits for new mines and monitors the responsible and sustainable use of the state's natural resources.